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Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates #5
A Murder Most Unlikely
Can it really be called murder when there's no dead body?Rosemary Lillywhite is over the moon about her budding romance with handsome detective inspector Max Whittington, and she can hardly wait for their first official date!When she's invited to an art exhibition opening, Rosemary thinks a night out on the town in London will be just the ticket.What she doesn’t expect is to run into one of Max's old flames, or to get caught up in another murder investigation.Then, the gallery owner disappears, and Aurora Kingsley calls on Max to solve the case and find her missing lover. With no choice but to investigate, Max agrees, this time bringing Rosemary along for the ride.The only trouble is, it doesn't seem like there's been a crime committed at all, and Rosemary begins to wonder if Aurora isn't just out to rekindle her romance with Max!Rosemary is determined to close the case and eliminate the threat to her love life, but will she be able to do it before sparks fly?Book five in The Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates series.Are you ready to escape to the roaring twenties? For fans of Beth Byers, Leighann Dobbs, Lee Strauss, and cozy historical murder mysteries.A light, cozy mystery with no swearing, graphic scenes, or cliffhangers.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2020
318 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Emily Queen
37 books100 followersEmily Queen is a writer of historical fiction, including the Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates cozy mystery series. She lives in Maine, USA with her cat, dog, and too many books to count.
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
Oh, and if you’re not careful, she might kill you off in one of her novels…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 27, 2025
I am on a review team for the audiobooks for this author. This is the fifth book in the series I have listened to and am reviewing. This review is all my own opinion.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and narration. The narrator has a lovely accent and really puts you in the mood for the 1920’s in Britain.
There are actually two mysteries in this story. Rosemary, the main character the mystery series revolves around, has a tentative dating relationship with Max the detective. She has been having a hard time letting go of her husband who had passed away while trying to move forward with her life.
In this story, Rosemary spends time with Max‘s mother who has moved to a new home. Max‘s mother is on the ball even though she’s an older woman. She has hurt her hip and is recuperating. She is also a very independent woman. She’s concerned about a neighbor and his wife. This is an interesting mystery that does get solved. I like how it was solved! I had not expected that one.
Rosemary has a brother Freddie who is dating her best friend Vera and she is so happy they’re dating. Unfortunately Vera is an actress and has some scenes where she kisses another actor and Freddie puts up a fit getting jealous. Not sure where that relationship is going to go if he is that insecure. Just my opinion. We’ll see what the author does with these characters in book 6.
I like all the characters in the books! It’s been fun seeing what’s happening with each of them throughout each book.
The other mystery is revolving around an art gallery. I enjoyed that mystery as well. Rosemary is very smart and figures things out, of course. That was fun!
This is a very light cozy mystery series. Not intense, but the mysteries themselves are entertaining and clever. Very enjoyable audiobook to listen to!
I really enjoyed the audiobook and narration. The narrator has a lovely accent and really puts you in the mood for the 1920’s in Britain.
There are actually two mysteries in this story. Rosemary, the main character the mystery series revolves around, has a tentative dating relationship with Max the detective. She has been having a hard time letting go of her husband who had passed away while trying to move forward with her life.
In this story, Rosemary spends time with Max‘s mother who has moved to a new home. Max‘s mother is on the ball even though she’s an older woman. She has hurt her hip and is recuperating. She is also a very independent woman. She’s concerned about a neighbor and his wife. This is an interesting mystery that does get solved. I like how it was solved! I had not expected that one.
Rosemary has a brother Freddie who is dating her best friend Vera and she is so happy they’re dating. Unfortunately Vera is an actress and has some scenes where she kisses another actor and Freddie puts up a fit getting jealous. Not sure where that relationship is going to go if he is that insecure. Just my opinion. We’ll see what the author does with these characters in book 6.
I like all the characters in the books! It’s been fun seeing what’s happening with each of them throughout each book.
The other mystery is revolving around an art gallery. I enjoyed that mystery as well. Rosemary is very smart and figures things out, of course. That was fun!
This is a very light cozy mystery series. Not intense, but the mysteries themselves are entertaining and clever. Very enjoyable audiobook to listen to!
May 14, 2020
Mrs. Lillywhite investigates indeed in the fifth book in the series, when a simple visit to an art gallery opening turns into much more. With the troubles that that brings about, readers get a more in-depth look at Max, and at Max's mother -- and what an investigator she turns out to be! The apple didn't fall too far from the tree there, that's for sure.
The characters are as usual well-defined, and the plot fully realized and brought to a satisfactory conclusion. For fans of Mrs. Lillywhite, "A Murder Most Unlikely" delivers.
The characters are as usual well-defined, and the plot fully realized and brought to a satisfactory conclusion. For fans of Mrs. Lillywhite, "A Murder Most Unlikely" delivers.
July 29, 2020
Two mysteries for the price of one with 0 dead bodies! 3.5 stars
Rose is finally moving on from Andrew, wondering what to do about rattling around in a big house with too many servants. She's looking forward to finally going out on a date with Max who has been working too much lately. When Vera's understudy invites Vera and friends to her art gallery opening, everyone accepts. When they arrive, they discover Daisy is sharing the gallery with another artist, Reno Riley, who has caused quite a commotion with his art. There is even a group of protesters outside. Rose is eager to examine a newly discovered Renoir and Vera wants to see Daisy but the friends are caught up in the gallery design showcasing not-quite respectable work. Just as they are about to leave, they run into the gallery owner, Sidney Marriott, and his fiancé, who happens to be Max's old girlfriend. The next day Aurora reports Sidney is missing and so is the gallery's money. There's blood on the floor and Aurora is very worried. She insists Max look into the disappearance and theft. Max's gut feeling is Sidney absconded with the money but Aurora is persistent.
Meanwhile, Max's mum is settling into her new home. Her activity has been curtailed by an injury and Ariadne has nothing to do but spy on her neighbors. She's firmly convinced her neighbor is trying to kill his wife Dolly. Max wants his mother to stay out of it but Ariadne puts Rose to the test and Rose must decide if she wants to try to pass the test and win Max's mother's approval or listen to max and ignore his mother, possibly putting a strain on her budding relationship either way.
There is a LOT going on in this one novel! There are two unrelated mysteries plus the romantic subplots. The mysteries kept me interested although I shared Max's opinion of them both but obviously, this being a novel, something sinister must be going on so I continued reading. One plot surprised me but the other didn't. I didn't care for the Vera-Freddie romantic drama at all. I don't like their volatile relationship and I think they're headed for disaster. I did like the Rose-Max relationship and Rose's character development. She's finally accepted that Andrew is gone and would want her to move on and be happy. She's ready for romance and ready to move on from her life with Andrew, finally. I still don't think she should marry him in the long run though. He just doesn't see Rose light up when she's confronted with a mystery and he hasn't been around to see how she's changed since she solved her first mystery. I don't think he will ever fully understand her independent spirit.
The first mystery is set in the art world and features a bunch of shifty characters. Reno Riley is a sleazy man who doesn't understand art. He's talented but complicates his paintings trying to combine too many styles and trying to be provocative without understand the difference between art and obscenity. Even Rose comments on how Riley's work seems unsavory. Daisy, Vera's friend, seems enormously talented but of course she's a woman and impoverished so she must work extra hard for her money. As the events of the mystery unfold, at first I didn't trust Riley because he's so sleazy and gross. Then I switched to mistrusting Daisy. She needs money to pay for a nurse for her ailing mother. What lengths would she go to earn money? Daisy seems loyal to Sidney, the gallery owner. I don't think he deserves her loyalty. The show was supposed to showcase her work as well as Riley's but Daisy's paintings are largely hidden from view and there are fewer paintings as well. That's not fair and she should consider taking Arthur Banks up on his offer. His gallery may be smaller and he may be trying to poach artists at their shows but if he'll give her a show of her own and help her earn money, she should not bother with fairness. Of course he could be caught up in the mysterious disappearance of Sidney.
Sidney's fiancé Aurora, at first seems like she's regretting letting Max get away. She clings to him a lot for support but as the story progresses, I actually kind of liked her. Max thinks Aurora is hiding something important but I think she is genuinely worried about Sidney. She co-owns the gallery space but was she duped by Sidney to put her money into the venture so he could take off with it or put her on the hook for his unpaid bills? I almost feel sorry for her. Sadie Dawson, Sidney's receptionist, a nervous woman, has something to hide. I think she has strong feelings for Sidney beyond the professional and may be covering up for him. Her story actually reveals a sad truth about people who had to work for a living in the 1920s. Chas, the protest ringleader, is pushy and loud. He's one of those "protect the children" people. What children? It's an art gallery. If you don't like it, don't look at it! I think he's all bark and no bite and there may be a budding romance there for him.
I don't know what happened to Sidney and I don't much care. I agree with Max that he took the money for some reason and ran off. He may be in debt to some loan sharks and that might explain the blood? He's up to no good, whatever happened. I don't like him or think he deserves the loyalty Sadie gives him.
In the interim relationship drama, we have Freddie, Vera and her leading man Rod Stone. Freddie is awful. He has a drinking problem he needs to work on. He drinks a LOT, even for the 20s. Rose keeps commenting on how he's drinking in the daytime. Vera needs to stop that because they are headed down the road to disaster. Freddie is hot headed and jealous even when he's not drinking. He is about to implode everything because Rod is playing Romeo to Vera's Juliet. First, it's called acting and it's her passion and profession so get over it or get out. Second, Rod is sooooo boring! He's not into Vera at all which Freddie finds impossible to believe. I suspected Rod might be gay but he's just not into anyone but himself. He's a narcissist and not a bright one either.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, we have a second mystery. Ariadne Whittington is a hoot. However, she's described as an octogenarian! That's 80-something and basically impossible unless Max is a good two decades older than Rose and most people didn't live that long back then. She should be a spry 60-something at most. At 80, she'd be more likely to be Max's grandmother. As snippy as she was to Rose earlier, she seems to have embraced Rose now she needs a detective. Ariadne is nosy for sure but her nosiness has a purpose. Her neighbors are her soap opera and her fears put Rose to the test. I thought at first she made up a mystery to test Rose to see where Rose would side but then as the clues add up, I believed her. She's a fun character. I especially love her little bulldog, Duke. I was, however, disappointed in Rose at the end of the mystery.
Cliff and Dolly Joseph, Ariadne's neighbors, do seem suspicious. He's overly solicitous of his wife but grabs her arm to take her home. He's secretive and doesn't like Dolly to make friends or have visitors. She seems very sweet and kind but something she says makes me think she's lying about her marriage.
This series is still fun and some day I hope to read #6!
Rose is finally moving on from Andrew, wondering what to do about rattling around in a big house with too many servants. She's looking forward to finally going out on a date with Max who has been working too much lately. When Vera's understudy invites Vera and friends to her art gallery opening, everyone accepts. When they arrive, they discover Daisy is sharing the gallery with another artist, Reno Riley, who has caused quite a commotion with his art. There is even a group of protesters outside. Rose is eager to examine a newly discovered Renoir and Vera wants to see Daisy but the friends are caught up in the gallery design showcasing not-quite respectable work. Just as they are about to leave, they run into the gallery owner, Sidney Marriott, and his fiancé, who happens to be Max's old girlfriend. The next day Aurora reports Sidney is missing and so is the gallery's money. There's blood on the floor and Aurora is very worried. She insists Max look into the disappearance and theft. Max's gut feeling is Sidney absconded with the money but Aurora is persistent.
Meanwhile, Max's mum is settling into her new home. Her activity has been curtailed by an injury and Ariadne has nothing to do but spy on her neighbors. She's firmly convinced her neighbor is trying to kill his wife Dolly. Max wants his mother to stay out of it but Ariadne puts Rose to the test and Rose must decide if she wants to try to pass the test and win Max's mother's approval or listen to max and ignore his mother, possibly putting a strain on her budding relationship either way.
There is a LOT going on in this one novel! There are two unrelated mysteries plus the romantic subplots. The mysteries kept me interested although I shared Max's opinion of them both but obviously, this being a novel, something sinister must be going on so I continued reading. One plot surprised me but the other didn't. I didn't care for the Vera-Freddie romantic drama at all. I don't like their volatile relationship and I think they're headed for disaster. I did like the Rose-Max relationship and Rose's character development. She's finally accepted that Andrew is gone and would want her to move on and be happy. She's ready for romance and ready to move on from her life with Andrew, finally. I still don't think she should marry him in the long run though. He just doesn't see Rose light up when she's confronted with a mystery and he hasn't been around to see how she's changed since she solved her first mystery. I don't think he will ever fully understand her independent spirit.
The first mystery is set in the art world and features a bunch of shifty characters. Reno Riley is a sleazy man who doesn't understand art. He's talented but complicates his paintings trying to combine too many styles and trying to be provocative without understand the difference between art and obscenity. Even Rose comments on how Riley's work seems unsavory. Daisy, Vera's friend, seems enormously talented but of course she's a woman and impoverished so she must work extra hard for her money. As the events of the mystery unfold, at first I didn't trust Riley because he's so sleazy and gross. Then I switched to mistrusting Daisy. She needs money to pay for a nurse for her ailing mother. What lengths would she go to earn money? Daisy seems loyal to Sidney, the gallery owner. I don't think he deserves her loyalty. The show was supposed to showcase her work as well as Riley's but Daisy's paintings are largely hidden from view and there are fewer paintings as well. That's not fair and she should consider taking Arthur Banks up on his offer. His gallery may be smaller and he may be trying to poach artists at their shows but if he'll give her a show of her own and help her earn money, she should not bother with fairness. Of course he could be caught up in the mysterious disappearance of Sidney.
Sidney's fiancé Aurora, at first seems like she's regretting letting Max get away. She clings to him a lot for support but as the story progresses, I actually kind of liked her. Max thinks Aurora is hiding something important but I think she is genuinely worried about Sidney. She co-owns the gallery space but was she duped by Sidney to put her money into the venture so he could take off with it or put her on the hook for his unpaid bills? I almost feel sorry for her. Sadie Dawson, Sidney's receptionist, a nervous woman, has something to hide. I think she has strong feelings for Sidney beyond the professional and may be covering up for him. Her story actually reveals a sad truth about people who had to work for a living in the 1920s. Chas, the protest ringleader, is pushy and loud. He's one of those "protect the children" people. What children? It's an art gallery. If you don't like it, don't look at it! I think he's all bark and no bite and there may be a budding romance there for him.
I don't know what happened to Sidney and I don't much care. I agree with Max that he took the money for some reason and ran off. He may be in debt to some loan sharks and that might explain the blood? He's up to no good, whatever happened. I don't like him or think he deserves the loyalty Sadie gives him.
In the interim relationship drama, we have Freddie, Vera and her leading man Rod Stone. Freddie is awful. He has a drinking problem he needs to work on. He drinks a LOT, even for the 20s. Rose keeps commenting on how he's drinking in the daytime. Vera needs to stop that because they are headed down the road to disaster. Freddie is hot headed and jealous even when he's not drinking. He is about to implode everything because Rod is playing Romeo to Vera's Juliet. First, it's called acting and it's her passion and profession so get over it or get out. Second, Rod is sooooo boring! He's not into Vera at all which Freddie finds impossible to believe. I suspected Rod might be gay but he's just not into anyone but himself. He's a narcissist and not a bright one either.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, we have a second mystery. Ariadne Whittington is a hoot. However, she's described as an octogenarian! That's 80-something and basically impossible unless Max is a good two decades older than Rose and most people didn't live that long back then. She should be a spry 60-something at most. At 80, she'd be more likely to be Max's grandmother. As snippy as she was to Rose earlier, she seems to have embraced Rose now she needs a detective. Ariadne is nosy for sure but her nosiness has a purpose. Her neighbors are her soap opera and her fears put Rose to the test. I thought at first she made up a mystery to test Rose to see where Rose would side but then as the clues add up, I believed her. She's a fun character. I especially love her little bulldog, Duke. I was, however, disappointed in Rose at the end of the mystery.
Cliff and Dolly Joseph, Ariadne's neighbors, do seem suspicious. He's overly solicitous of his wife but grabs her arm to take her home. He's secretive and doesn't like Dolly to make friends or have visitors. She seems very sweet and kind but something she says makes me think she's lying about her marriage.
This series is still fun and some day I hope to read #6!
April 21, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this book as much as the other books in the series. I was so captivated by the story that I listened to the whole audiobook in one sitting. I was entertained by the complications which resulted when Rosemary was introduced to an old flame of Max's. I appreciated the intricate puzzle presented by the unfolding mystery. I enjoyed Caren Naess' narration as her presentation was entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
October 17, 2024
With a Nod to REAR WINDOW
Or so it seems to me. Max's mother is recuperating from an injury and takes to observing her neighbors to alleviate her boredom and satisfy her curiosity. The other plot, while more complicated, didn't engage me as much. As usual, the recurring characters are delightful to varying degrees. The dialogue is spirited and the G&Ts flow freely. I thought this book could have used more careful editing, but the story is the best kind of mind candy.
Or so it seems to me. Max's mother is recuperating from an injury and takes to observing her neighbors to alleviate her boredom and satisfy her curiosity. The other plot, while more complicated, didn't engage me as much. As usual, the recurring characters are delightful to varying degrees. The dialogue is spirited and the G&Ts flow freely. I thought this book could have used more careful editing, but the story is the best kind of mind candy.
December 11, 2024
A great story
I have grown to enjoy these adventures and especially Rosemary and her best friend. The main and supporting characters are gentle, caring, and lovable. The plot is easily followed and TBE premise is split between a man accused of endangering his wife and an art gallery break in. The answers are hard to cone by and Rose's life is in danger. I definitely recommend this book.
I have grown to enjoy these adventures and especially Rosemary and her best friend. The main and supporting characters are gentle, caring, and lovable. The plot is easily followed and TBE premise is split between a man accused of endangering his wife and an art gallery break in. The answers are hard to cone by and Rose's life is in danger. I definitely recommend this book.
October 30, 2025
2 thoroughly great mysteries for the price of one.
Emily has done a splendid job with both mysteries in this story. Rosemary and Vera's friendship, as well as Max and Frederick's love for these women create a well rounded story. There is plenty of action, especially surrounding Max's mother, Ariadne. She is a force to be reckoned with and thoroughly delightful.
Emily has done a splendid job with both mysteries in this story. Rosemary and Vera's friendship, as well as Max and Frederick's love for these women create a well rounded story. There is plenty of action, especially surrounding Max's mother, Ariadne. She is a force to be reckoned with and thoroughly delightful.
November 29, 2024
Entertaining cozy mystery
I've been working my way through this series. It's a light read, perfect for a relaxing afternoon and a cup of tea.
I've been working my way through this series. It's a light read, perfect for a relaxing afternoon and a cup of tea.
January 12, 2025
A fun read.
If you like a cozy mystery this books fills that space very well. I enjoyed the plot twists and the characters.
If you like a cozy mystery this books fills that space very well. I enjoyed the plot twists and the characters.
July 5, 2023
awwww
The ending was fantastic! I know I have said it before but I can’t wait to see what happens next. I really enjoyed the whole part with Max’s mom.
The ending was fantastic! I know I have said it before but I can’t wait to see what happens next. I really enjoyed the whole part with Max’s mom.
July 24, 2021
Max's mother is convinced that her next door neighbor is up to no good in his relationship with his wife. Frederick is jealous of Vera's love scene with an actor in her new play. Aurora, Max's former girlfriend, reports that her boyfriend and co-owner with her of an art gallery is missing along with a large sum of money. Will Rosemary and Max be able to get to the bottom of the mysteries? What about Vera and Frederick? Fun read.
May 8, 2020
Wrong text uNit a New Book only different titke
This ebook is the same text as the book Murder among the Roses book 4. This is suppose to be book 5 A Murder Most Unlikely. How can I get the right book if what is being sold as a new book is simply the previous one in the series. I am not happy
This ebook is the same text as the book Murder among the Roses book 4. This is suppose to be book 5 A Murder Most Unlikely. How can I get the right book if what is being sold as a new book is simply the previous one in the series. I am not happy
May 14, 2020
Enjoyable!
Light cozy adventure with Rosemary and friends is entertaining and relaxing during this time of Covid-19. I have read this series since it was first published and find the antics of this group of amateur sleuths funny and interesting. Read in order for fullest enjoyment
Light cozy adventure with Rosemary and friends is entertaining and relaxing during this time of Covid-19. I have read this series since it was first published and find the antics of this group of amateur sleuths funny and interesting. Read in order for fullest enjoyment
May 15, 2020
Liked this book
As in the previous Rosemary Li!liwhite books, it did not disappoint. There were dual themes and each had its own storyline. It was enjoyable to get to know Max's mother better. She brought a fresh and delightful facet into the book. The romance phase of Ross's life continues yet it is handled delicately. I can't wait for book number 6 in November.
As in the previous Rosemary Li!liwhite books, it did not disappoint. There were dual themes and each had its own storyline. It was enjoyable to get to know Max's mother better. She brought a fresh and delightful facet into the book. The romance phase of Ross's life continues yet it is handled delicately. I can't wait for book number 6 in November.
April 12, 2021
I laughed I cried.
Well done, M Rose gets involved in a caper with Max's octogenarian mother. The interplay between them is very humorous. Her best friend Vera has a starring role in a play and Fred (Rose's brother), goes off the deep end with jealousy. Not to mention the forged artwork, Max's obnoxious ex-beau and romance in the air. Good stuff! More please.
Well done, M Rose gets involved in a caper with Max's octogenarian mother. The interplay between them is very humorous. Her best friend Vera has a starring role in a play and Fred (Rose's brother), goes off the deep end with jealousy. Not to mention the forged artwork, Max's obnoxious ex-beau and romance in the air. Good stuff! More please.
May 12, 2020
Not the best of the lot but not bad, either
This is a good series although the characters are a little wooden. Nicely crafted older person in this book, though, which we don’t get enough of.
This is a good series although the characters are a little wooden. Nicely crafted older person in this book, though, which we don’t get enough of.
May 8, 2020
It is Body In the Roses - book #4!
under the cover of A Murder Most Likely. I hope that it gets updated to the correct one soon. Disappointing.
under the cover of A Murder Most Likely. I hope that it gets updated to the correct one soon. Disappointing.
May 10, 2020
Why is this book a duplicate of Murder Among The Roses? Please correct. I am not pleased.
May 13, 2020
Great 1920's England
Enjoyable mystery set in 1920's England. Romantic back story. Witty characters No overt sexual or violent content. X x x
Enjoyable mystery set in 1920's England. Romantic back story. Witty characters No overt sexual or violent content. X x x
May 25, 2020
So fun!!!
I love a good mystery, strong female characters and a little love story! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I love a good mystery, strong female characters and a little love story! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
September 12, 2020
Great book
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the series so far. I loved the characters and the plot was very interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the series so far. I loved the characters and the plot was very interesting.
April 25, 2021
Rosemary and Vera cleverly assist Max
2 mysteries in one. Very charming characters involved and I do love max's mother, she is a hoot. Congratulations Vera and Frederick
2 mysteries in one. Very charming characters involved and I do love max's mother, she is a hoot. Congratulations Vera and Frederick
May 22, 2021
Great Book
I loved the two storylines. Ariadne is a hoot and I look forward to more stories with her. And the art forgery story was really intriguing.
I loved the two storylines. Ariadne is a hoot and I look forward to more stories with her. And the art forgery story was really intriguing.
June 29, 2021
Maybe 3.5 stars. Still some errors, but the confusing shifts in points-of-view were missing.
October 15, 2021
Enjoyable Caper
Loved getting to know more family members and ex's. Quite a tale and we'll worth a few hours of your time
Loved getting to know more family members and ex's. Quite a tale and we'll worth a few hours of your time
December 5, 2021
Okay
Nothing in particular really stands out about this story It is not particularly challenging. All I can really say is meh.
Nothing in particular really stands out about this story It is not particularly challenging. All I can really say is meh.
April 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this, and I have purchased the next one in the series.
November 6, 2022
Another interesting adventure in the life of Mrs. Lillywhite.
February 26, 2023
Light series but not enarmoured with the amount of drinking the characters do. Freddie is especially concerning,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews